SO YOU WANT TO BE A TANKER PILOT?

171st Air Refueling Squadron’s Pilot Hiring Package

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SO YOU WANT TO BE A KC-135 PILOT?

Welcome to the 171st Air Refueling Squadron, based at Selfridge ANGB, home of the best KC-135 unit in the Air National Guard. Thank you for expressing interest in joining our elite squadron of men and women. Due to the number of training events that are required to become a crewmember in the KC-135T, the entire process can be complex. This guide was developed to provide you with a detailed outline of the application steps appropriate for your desired aircrew position from start to finish. It will include the sequential training events that you will be required to accomplish. This guide will also assist you in understanding our candidate selection process and the military obligations involved.

This guide contains the following areas:

WELCOME LETTER ............................................................................................................................................... 2

171ST AIR REFUELING SQUADRON’S MISSION AND HISTORY ...................................................................................... 3

KC-135T DESCRIPTION AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION ................................................................. 5

DESCRIPTION, QUALIFICATIONS, AND TRAINING REQUIRED FOR PILOT POSITIONS ................................................ 6

MILITARY OBLIGATIONS / SQUADRON EXPECTATIONS ........................................................................... 9

APPLICATION PROCESS ...................................................................................................................................... 10

171ST AIR REFUELING SQUADRON AIRCREW APPLICANT QUESTIONNAIRE .................................... 12

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 Dear UPT Candidate, 

Thank you for your interest in becoming a pilot with the 171st Air Refueling Squadron, the finest KC‐135 Air Refueling Squadron in the Air National Guard.  We are a very exciting and busy unit, flying a wide variety of missions throughout the United States and the world.  

The 171st Air Refueling Squadron is continuously seeking individuals who wish to become aircrew members.  Currently, we conduct a pilot selection board in the spring and fall of each year. There are many career paths to choose in aviation and we are pleased that you are considering a career with the military. As a military officer, you will receive the most challenging and highest quality flight training available in aviation. The military will also provide many professional development opportunities and a high quality of life for you and your family.  

The decision to apply and accept a pilot position with the Air National Guard should be made after careful consideration, acknowledging that it will require a serious commitment. The road to becoming a Commissioned Officer and a Mission Ready Pilot is not short and it is not easy. You will need to successfully complete approximately two years of intense training on your way to becoming a fully qualified pilot. The training courses you will attend vary in length and consist of officer commissioning, flight training, and survival training. This will challenge your abilities and transform you into one of the best pilots in the world. 

A copy of our applicant information handbook is included.  This handbook will assist you in understanding the mission of the 171st Air Refueling Squadron, as well as our background, training requirements, expectations, and the application process.  

Please complete the questionnaire included at the back of this handbook and return to 171st ARS Aircrew Hiring Personnel along with the required package items.  This questionnaire and your résumé will be used to create an applicant information folder and help determine your eligibility for a pilot position within the 171st Air Refueling Squadron. 

We strongly encourage you to visit our squadron and familiarize yourself with our operations. Our monthly regularly scheduled drill weekends provide an outstanding opportunity for you to interact with squadron members.  Please contact one of our points of contact if you have any questions or would like to set up a time to visit.  We wish you the best of luck in your aviation endeavors and look forward to meeting you. 

 

Sincerely, 

The Michigan Six Pack 

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171st Air Refueling Squadron Mission and History

171st ARS Mission

The 171st Air Refueling Squadron’s mission is to provide trained, equipped, and motivated air refueling support resources serving the community, state, and nation.

The 171st Air Refueling Squadron is part of the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base near Mount Clemens, Michigan. In the 1970s, operating as a Fighter Intercept squadron, the unit flew the F-106 Delta Dart and picked up a distinctive nickname – the Michigan Six Pack. The 171st flew fighter aircraft until 1994, when it made the transition to Air Mobility Command. Under this command, the unit first flew the C-130 and finally transitioned to the KC-135T. The Six Pack nickname and the unit’s black and yellow checkerboard tail markings continue to be used and can be seen in a unique design on the KC-135Ts stationed at the base.

FEDERAL MISSION

The Air National Guard's federal mission is to maintain well-trained, well-equipped units available for prompt mobilization during wartime and to provide assistance during national emergencies (such as natural disasters or civil disturbances). During peacetime, combat-ready units and support units are assigned to most Air Force major commands to carry out missions compatible with training, mobilization readiness, and humanitarian and contingency operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

STATE MISSION

When Air National Guard units are not mobilized or under federal control, they report to the governor of their respective state, territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands), or the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard. Each of the 54 National Guard organizations is supervised by the adjutant general of the state or territory. Under state law, the Air National Guard provides protection of life and property and preserves peace, order, and public safety. These missions are accomplished through emergency relief support during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and forest fires, search and rescue operations, support to civil defense authorities, maintenance of vital public services, and counter-drug operations.

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Unit History

The Michigan Air National Guard’s first air unit was designated the 107th Observation Squadron and consisted of eight officers and fifty enlisted men. It began in 1925 as a group of 58 aircraft enthusiasts who met for weekly drills in a Detroit municipal garage. The 107th Observation Squadron was granted Federal Recognition as part of the Michigan Guard 32nd Division on May 7, 1926 flying the JN-4 “Jenny”.

Upon the declaration of war on December 7, 1941, the unit was moved to Charleston, South Carolina. There, they flew anti-submarine patrols on the East Coast until returning to Louisiana to receive fighter training in March 1942. In August 1942, the unit went overseas to Membury, England to fly MK V Spitfires and various other aircraft until receiving the F-6, a photo reconnaissance version of the P-51 Mustang. They flew pre-invasion photo missions over France from December 1942 until D-Day. The unit acquired more than 4,218 sorties through the entire European campaign.

The present 171st Air Refueling Squadron was established January 28, 1943 under the wartime designation of the 374th Fighter Squadron in Richmond, Virginia. The unit was based in Scotland, Belgium, France, and England during World War II. Upon deactivation in 1945, the 374th became the 171st Fighter Squadron (single engine) and on May 24, 1946 it was allocated to the Michigan 127th Fighter Group. The squadron consisted of 16 officers and 150 airmen.

In November 1953, the flying units assigned to the 127th Fighter Wing received F-86E Sabre Jets and began training hundreds of NATO pilots in fighter-bomber tactics.

In 1971, the Air National Guard base at Detroit Metropolitan Airport was turned over to civilian authorities and the 171st moved to Selfridge Air Force base near Mt. Clemens. One month later, the unit started training on the RF-101 “Voodoo”. During June of 1972, the squadron’s tactical reconnaissance mission was phased out and replaced with a fighter-intercept mission flying the F-106A “Delta Dart”. It was during this period that the Squadron adopted the nickname of “The Six Pack” From 1976 to 1978; the 171st Fighter Intercept Squadron converted to the F-4 “Phantom” to fill an air defense role.

After flying the F-4 from 1978 to 1990, the unit upgraded to the F-16 “Fighting Falcon” from 1990 to 1994, when the unit transitioned its mission to tactical airlift. At the end of 1994, the unit received 8 C-130E “Hercules” aircraft.

Finally, after flying the C-130E from 1994 until 2007, the unit made the conversion from the C-130 tactical airlift to air refueling operations and the KC-135T “Stratotanker”. During April of 2008, the 171st received 8 KC-135T, giving the men and women of the 171st global reach for the deployment of U.S. airpower.

Today, the men and women of the 171st Air Refueling Squadron continue their proud heritage of excellence, dedication, and professionalism.

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KC-135T DESCRIPTION AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

KC-135T DESCRIPTION

The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 50 years. This unique asset enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary missions of Global Reach and Global Power. It also provides aerial refueling support to the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied nation aircraft.

KC-135T Primary Mission

Air Refueling - Since the inception of the KC-135 Stratotanker, the primary mission has been the same air refueling of long range bombers. The KC-135 also has the capability to refuel many other types of aircraft.

Cargo – While not the primary mission of the tanker, it is more than capable of handling different kinds of cargo loads. One of the biggest assets of the tanker is its fail-safe design, which creates a perfect platform for aeromedical transportation.

KC-135T SPECIFICATIONS

o CREW: Depending on the mission, the tanker requires 3 to 4 crew members as a minimum. 2 pilots and 1 or 2 boom operators.

o ENGINES: 4, CFM 56 turbofan engines producing 21,000 lbs of thrust each.

o DIMENSIONS: Wingspan - 130' 10" / Length 136' 3" / Height - 41' 8"

o CARGO CAPACITY: 83,000 lbs with 6 pallet positions

o MAX FUEL LOAD: 209,543 lbs

o MAX TAKEOFF WEIGHT: 322,500 lbs

o MAX SPEED: 530 miles per hour at 30,000'

o RANGE: Dependent on fuel load, but can be up to 11,000 miles

o CEILING: 50,000 feet

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DESCRIPTIONS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND TRAINING REQUIRED FOR PILOT POSITION

QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPLICANT:

United States Citizenship 4 year college graduate with at least a Bachelor’s Degree Age 31 years and younger eligible to apply Flight experience to include a Private Pilot’s Certificate or better Pass a military Class 1 flight physical Qualifying Pilot Candidate Selection Method Scores (PCSM) Qualify for a top secret security clearance Michigan residency preferable Prior Unit membership is desirable

TRAINING REQUIRED:

If you are selected to fill one of our pilot slots, the work has only just begun. After being sworn into the Air National Guard, you will be met with several challenging, but rewarding courses that can take approximately two years to accomplish. The following list will be the required schools you will need to complete to become a mission ready pilot.

1. Medical Flight Screening

Medical flight screening is required by all potential pilots in the Air Force. Prior to traveling down to Wright Patterson AFB, you will receive an initial commissioning physical exam from our medical group on base. Once the exam has been completed, we will send you off to complete the Air Force Medical Flight Screening.

Location: Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio

Duration: Approximately 3 days (depending on possible issues)

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2. Total Force Officer Training – TFOT

The new AMS, this course is now a total force training involving members from Active Duty, Reserve, and the Air National Guard. The course teaches the importance of leadership, discipline, attention to detail, and dedication to service. This challenging, yet rewarding course will test both your mental and physical abilities as it pushes you to become an Officer in the world’s greatest Air Force.

Location: Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama

Duration: 40 training days (approximately 9 weeks)

3. Pilot Initial Flight Training IFT (if applicable)

This course will be assigned by National Guard Bureau based upon your PCSM score and total flight time. If selected to attend, the course includes 18 hours of flight training in a Diamond DA-20 and approximately 40 hours of ground school. IFT will emulate the rigors of the day-to-day operations you will experience at Undergraduate Pilot Training, while preparing you for your first solo flight.

Location: Pueblo, Colorado

Duration: 22 training days

4. Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training – SUPT

SUPT is broken down into three different phases, each building off the previous phase. The first phase of training is ground school. This is the time to learn about the T-6 and procedures used by the Air Force. During the second phase, you get to jump into a T-6 Texan II and own the sky above. This can be the most challenging phase but also the most rewarding. The final phase takes you into a T-1 and continues to advance your flying skills, building on what you learned in previous phases. The culmination of all three phases, your hard work, and how well you work together as a class leads to one of the most memorable experiences in SUPT, the day you pin on your wings.

Location: Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma; Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi; or Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas

Duration: Approximately 52 weeks

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5. KC-135 Pilot Initial Qualification

This formal school trains new pilots on the roles and responsibility of a co-pilot on the KC-135. During your time here, you will use what you learned in UPT and apply it to the tanker. The flow of the training is similar to UPT, where you will start off learning the systems of the tanker, followed by simulator training, and finally flying the KC-135.

Location: Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma

Duration: Approximately 20 weeks

6. Land Survival School – SERE

Survival school is designed to train aircrew in employment of principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment that enhance survival, evasion, resistance, and escape prospects, regardless of climate conditions or hostile environment. The course is a combination of classroom teaching and field training events preparing you for the last few days of the training program.

Location: Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington

Duration: 19 calendar days

7. Water Survival

Trains aircrew members in employing principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment that enhance their ability to survive in a water environment and assist in their safe recovery and return to friendly control.

Location: Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington

Duration: 2 days

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MILITARY OBLIGATION/SQUADRON EXPECTATIONS

Upon completion of training, you will incur a ten year commitment to the United States Air Force and the Michigan Air National Guard. This commitment starts from the date you graduate your initial flying training course.

As a member of the Michigan Air National Guard and the 171st Air Refueling Squadron, you will be expected to attend Regularly Scheduled Drill (RSD) one weekend each month and annual training consisting of 15 days of active duty each year. Currently, this training will be in conjunction with the Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) Operation. The Air National Guard is tasked with an AEF deployment cycle of every 24 months. Additionally, you will be expected to participate in many local training missions and various trips to different locations around the world.

As an aircrew member, there are several requirements to maintain currency in the KC-135 and its encompassing missions. These requirements will amount to a minimum of forty-eight Additional Flying Training Periods (AFTPs) per year, semi-annual simulator training, annual checkrides, yearly written exams, life support training, altitude chamber requirements, and additional ancillary training on a monthly basis. As a traditional pilot, you can expect to fly a minimum of 2 local sorties per month plus RSD training, as well as participating in higher headquarters tasking.

The 171st Air Refueling Squadron is an exciting and busy squadron, flying a wide variety of missions year-round. Your participation in the squadron as a crewmember is vital to our operation and the above commitments are only the minimum requirements.

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APPLICATION PROCESS FOR PILOTS

Contents 1. Cover Letter 2. Resume - In addition to standard resume content, please include the following:

a.) Address b.) Phone number c.) E-mail address d.) Date of Birth e.) Total Flying hours f.) Flying licenses/Ratings g.) AFOQT Pilot & Nav Scores h.) PCSM Score g.) GPA

3. AFOQT Scores – Printed copy from the AFOQT website is sufficient 4. PCSM Scores – Printed copy from the website is sufficient 5. Unofficial or official college transcripts 6. Copy of Pilots License and last page of logbook (if you have one) 7. 3 Letters of recommendation 8. Aircrew Application Questionnaire *Please send one complete package of the above documents paper clipped together. Do not staple, put in a folder, page protectors, or spiral bounding. Mailing Address for Application Packets: 171ARS Pilot Hiring 29180 Wilbur Wright Blvd, Bldg 17 Selfridge ANG Base, MI 48045 * Instead of snail-mail, you may email your application to 171ARSPilotHiring@gmail.com. If you email your packet, please send the entire application as a single attached document. UPT Applicant Point of Contact (POC): Capt Alex Begué Alexander.s.begue.mil@mail.mil Phone: (586) 239-5080

*IMPORTANT * An Officer in the United States Military is expected to uphold the highest standards.

Failure to follow simple instructions will be noted.

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Useful Information: 1.) AFOQT – Schedule with TSgt Bowles at the Selfridge Recruiting Office (586) 239-2488 2.) TBAS – Schedule by contacting Sergeant Jones at the Michigan State University

ROTC office, (517) 355-2168. https://pcsm.aetc.af.mil/ 3.) PCSM – This score is automatically derived from your AFOQT and TBAS score

All pilots are required to take the Air Force Officer Qualification Test (AFOQT) and the Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS). The AFOQT is broken down into 12 subtests, covering verbal, arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, math knowledge, instrument comprehension, block counting, table reading, aviation information, general science, rotated blocks, hidden figures, and self-description inventory. The test generally lasts four to five hours and will provide you with scores for pilot, navigator, academic aptitude, verbal, and quantitative sections. There is a minimum score required that you will have to meet for each of the five areas listed below.

The TBAS test is a computerized psychomotor, spatial ability, and multi-tasking test battery. This test is used as part of your Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PCSM) score and provides a measure of your aptitude for successfully completing Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). This test is only offered at certain locations, at limited times, and can be scheduled with an Air National Guard Recruiter.

Interview Phase:

Selected applicants will receive an interview by a selection board consisting of members of the 171st who will review your file, which includes work history, education, specialties, and the information collected during the administrative and testing phases. The board will ask each applicant questions and rate their responses during the interview. Selection boards are convened periodically to select individuals for current and projected aircrew vacancies. More than one interview may be necessary to narrow down the number of candidates.

The selection is made on the “total person” concept. While the factors listed above are looked at carefully, they are not the sole criteria for selection. Other factors that are heavily weighted include attitude, dress and personal appearance, and motivation.

Think of the interview as if you were applying for any other job, civilian or otherwise. The board wants to know you. We already understand that you want to fly, so we want to know your thoughts, interests, hobbies, and future plans. We are looking for those individuals who will be able to contribute to the squadron as an aircrew member, as a member of the Michigan Air National Guard, and as a member of the United States Air Force.

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171st Air Refueling Squadron Pilot Application Questionnaire

The following information is necessary to open a complete applicant folder on you. This folder will remain in our files for approximately three years. Please fill out the questionnaire to the maximum extent possible and return it along with the other documents listed on the back of this page.

Personal Information

Name ______________________________

Mailing Address _____________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

Cell Phone ________________________________

Work Phone _______________________________

Date of Birth ________________________________

Education

College Attended ___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Degrees Awarded ___________________________________________________________

Major _________________________

GPA __________________________

PCSM Score __________

AFOQT Pilot Score _________

Prior Military Service Information (branch, duration, past job description)

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Flight Hours

Total Time _____________________

Pilot in Command _______________

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Student ________________________

Other __________________________

Certificates / Ratings Held

Why the 171st ?

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